Great white shark populations have fallen up to 92 per cent along Australia's eastern coast.

Researchers used figures from Queensland's shark control program, which operates from Cairns, in the state's north, down to the Gold Coast, to examine the rate of change in particular species.

The program, established in 1962, uses a system of mesh nets and baited drumlines to "minimise the threat of shark attack on humans" by catching and killing local shark populations.

According to the study, the Queensland shark control program has caught almost 50,000 sharks to date.

Since 1962, the Queensland shark control program has caught almost 50,000 sharks. Picture: Communications Biology

The study's lead author, marine ecologist Doctor George Roff said dramatic reductions are likely due to overfishing along the coastline, and called on governments to rethink their approach to shark safety.